"The workers themselves don't come into consideration. It has become a business that exists solely to make a profit. Anything else is irrelevant," he said.

Consignia has announced plans to cut one in 10 jobs nationally over the next 18 months.

This has incensed the Communication Workers Union (CWU), with deputy general secretary, John Keggie, saying: "It's a madcap plan that is ill-conceived and destructive. Blaming the workforce is just not on. This is the same workforce that has made the Post Office profitable and successful for decades."

Despite this news, the CWU has agreed to a further three months of industrial stability and has suspended threats of industrial action. This is while Royal Mail pledge not to implement any unagreed changes in working practices at local level.

CWU North Wales representative, Ken Moxon, said: "We will wait and see the outcome of the negotiations after Christmas.

"After that we will decide on what course of action will be taken. This agreement shows the union's constructive approach to discussing change only amid a stable industrial environment."

A spokesman for Consignia said: "The propsed changes in weekend processing will not affect jobs. We are committed to providing an efficient and cost-effective service to our customers and our local workers are essential in our ability to do this."